Monitoring, control, and protection of radial distribution networks by using a two-level control architecture

Abstract

Automation of the distribution system may be an essential requirement in a smart grid architecture. In this paper, an intelligent distribution system has been proposed, where smart meters with communication capabilities play a vital role in the operation of the system. Two-level control architecture has been considered in this work. Primary controller (local controller) installed at distribution transformer generates suitable control strategies to deal with distribution network challenges such as load shedding/load reconnection based on available power at the substation, load balancing, protection of feeder against overcurrent, and detection of power theft. Secondary controller (master controller) installed at distribution substation continuously checks available power and instructs primary controllers for load shedding/load reconnection based on the total connected load on the feeder. Two-level control architecture has been developed using MATLAB/SIMULINK for a distribution network consisting of two identical areas, each composing of 21 loads fed through the three-phase radial feeder. Each radial feeder is supplied from the main substation through the distribution transformer. Simulation results obtained on MATLAB/SIMULINK model have been validated on an eMEGASim OP5600 OPAL-RT real-time simulator. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.